Groin pain during pregnancy is a common complaint, which can feel like a stinging, pulling, or sharp discomfort in the groin area. For some, it occurs with specific movements such as getting up, turning in bed, or climbing stairs. For others, it can also appear after activity or late in the day. Although it is often associated with perfectly normal bodily changes, it is still important to listen to the signals and know when you should have it assessed.

There can be several explanations for groin pain during pregnancy, and some of them overlap.

As the uterus grows, the ligaments surrounding it can stretch. This can cause sharp or pulling pain, especially with sudden movements, coughing, sneezing, or when changing position.

Pain from the pelvis can be felt in the groin, especially if there is irritation around the pelvic joints. International patient guidelines describe that pelvic pain during pregnancy can often cause discomfort around the hips, buttocks, and groin, and that it typically worsens with walking, stairs, or standing on one leg.

Groin pain during pregnancy can occur at different times, and the pattern can give an indication of what is causing it.

Early on, pain can occur with quick movements or after activity, as the body gradually adapts to hormonal changes and increased strain.

Later in pregnancy, weight, altered posture, and greater strain on the pelvis and hips can cause the pain to occur more often or last longer. If you notice that the pain increases as you walk more, stand for long periods, or take large steps, it is a sign that a more gentle strategy may help.

The focus is typically on relieving pressure and avoiding movements that provoke the pain.

• Take shorter steps and slow down when walking.
• Avoid standing on one leg (sit down when putting on pants).
• Keep your knees together when turning in bed or getting out of the car.
• Take breaks during the day, especially if the pain increases late in the day.

Some experience relief from warmth (e.g., a warm pillow) on the area, while others benefit from support around the pelvis/abdomen during activity. If you want to try support, a support belt can be relevant as a practical aid in everyday life, for example, the Maternity Support Belt.

It can be tempting to stop moving altogether, but many benefit from gentle, adapted activity. It is often recommended in patient guidelines on pelvic pain to find a level where you can be in motion without significant worsening.

• Choose symmetrical movement (e.g., gentle walking on even ground).
• Avoid large, one-sided strains (e.g., long stair climbs, deep lunges).
• Stop if the pain significantly increases during or after the activity.

If you are in doubt, a physiotherapist or midwife can help tailor exercises to your specific pain pattern.

Seek professional assessment if you are concerned or if the pain affects your daily life more and more. Contact a doctor, midwife, or maternity ward sooner if you experience:

• bleeding, fever, or impaired general condition
• persistent, severe pain that is not relieved by rest
• pain with burning during urination or suspicion of infection
• sudden worsening where you find it difficult to walk or put weight on your legs

This is not to cause concern, but to ensure that you get the right help if there is something other than common pregnancy discomforts.

If groin pain during pregnancy is related to strain in the pelvic area, a support belt may be worth trying as a relief in everyday life, especially during walks and practical tasks. You can see the selection here: Support belts.

• 1177 Vårdguiden: “Vanliga besvär under en graviditet” (patient information on common pregnancy discomforts, including pain). https://www.1177.se/
• Medical News Today: “Groin pain during pregnancy” (overview of possible causes and when to seek help). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/groin-pain-pregnancy
• RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists): “Pelvic girdle pain and pregnancy” (patient guide on pelvic pain, symptoms, and management). https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/pelvic-girdle-pain-and-pregnancy/